A grand tour of 18th century music comes to Horsham

An early-music duo are set to perform at the next Horsham Music Circle concert on Saturday, April 16, in St Mark’s Church, Horsham (7.30pm).

The Passacaglia Duo are Annabel Knight and Robin Bigwood.

Annabel has established a successful performing and teaching career as a recorder player and historical flautist, while Robin is an accomplished harpsichordist (and her husband).

They aim to present The Grand Tour of music from all over 18th century Europe.

Spokeswoman Jill Elsworthy said: “As well as her duo work, Annabel plays with the ensemble Passacaglia and the Fontanella recorder quintet.

“Her career has taken her across the UK, Europe and America as well as recitals at the Wigmore Hall and the South Bank, radio broadcasts and CD recordings.

“She can also be heard playing on film soundtracks including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Fantastic Mr Fox.

“She is the founder and director of the popular Woodhouse Recorder Week and is currently head of recorder at Birmingham Conservatoire.

“Robin Bigwood is one of the UK’s busiest harpsichordists, performing regularly as a soloist and as a continuo player with Passacaglia, The Sixteen, Florilegium and Britten Sinfonia.

“Robin studied harpsichord and piano at the Royal College of Music and won the Broadwood Harpsichord Competition in 1995. In 2009 he became a regular member of the Feinstein Ensemble and plays with them in their busy series at St Martin in the Fields, London and recently at the Purcell Room. Outside of performing, he is also an experienced sound engineer and producer.”

Music for the Grand tour includes pieces by Bach, Handel, Teleman, Boismortier and Bigaglia. Tickets can be obtained on the door or in advance from Horsham Museum (cash or cheques only), from the Music Circle on 01403 252602, or online here.

Horsham Music Circle concerts are open to everyone. Both subscription memberships and individual tickets are available.